Why write the base depth on the estimate?

Because it's the single biggest difference between your bid and a cheaper one, and the customer can't see it once the patio is finished. Stating '8 inches of compacted aggregate base, installed in lifts' is a specification a lowball bid usually can't match on paper.

Should sealing be quoted?

Quote it as an optional line, and note that it's typically done after the patio has weathered a season. It's a real add-on sale, and one many customers come back for — provided they knew it existed.

What has to be in the exclusions?

Lawn and landscape restoration, irrigation repair, drainage or grading beyond the patio, utility line relocation, and any structure like a wall or steps not explicitly listed. Digging in a yard reliably damages something, and it needs to be addressed in writing.

Paver Patio Estimate Template (Free)

What belongs on the estimate

Business name, license number, contact info
Customer name, property address, phone
Patio dimensions and square footage
Excavation depth and disposal loads
Base specification — inches compacted, in lifts
Pavers — type, pattern, per square foot
Edge restraint, polymeric sand, optional sealing
Access surcharge where machines can’t reach
Payment schedule and exclusions

The template

[Your Business Name] · License #________
[Phone] · [Email]

Estimate #____        Date: __________
Prepared For: [Customer Name]   Phone: __________
Property: _____________________________________
Patio: ____ ft x ____ ft (___ sq ft)
Machine access: [yes / limited / none]

--------------------------------------------------
Description                              Amount
--------------------------------------------------
Excavation — ___ in depth, ___ sq ft     $______
Haul-off + disposal — ___ loads          $______
Geotextile fabric                        $______
Base — ___ in compacted aggregate        $______
   (installed in ___ in lifts)
Bedding sand — ___ in                    $______
Pavers — ___ sq ft @ $___                $______
   Type: __________  Pattern: __________
Border / soldier course — ___ lf         $______
Cutting (curves, angles)                 $______
Edge restraint + spikes — ___ lf         $______
Polymeric sand                           $______
Sealing (optional, after 1 season)       $______
Steps — ___ risers                       $______
Access surcharge (hand-haul)             $______
--------------------------------------------------
Subtotal                                 $______
Tax (if applicable)                      $______
Estimate Total                           $______

PAYMENT SCHEDULE
  ___% materials deposit at signing       $______
  ___% draw at base compaction            $______
  Balance at completion                   $______

NOT INCLUDED: lawn/landscape restoration, irrigation
repair, drainage or grading beyond patio area, utility
locating or relocation, retaining walls or steps not
listed above.
Valid ___ days. Change orders require written approval.

The base line is your differentiator

Print the depth and say “installed in lifts.” Customers comparing three bids almost never see this spelled out anywhere else, and it reframes a higher price as a different product rather than a worse deal.

Warn about the lawn

Excavation equipment, material piles, and wheelbarrow ruts do real damage. Say so on the estimate and exclude restoration — or price it in. The one thing that never works is leaving a torn-up yard as an unspoken surprise.

Skipping the copy-paste

Software with your excavation, base, and paver rates saved builds this estimate quickly and turns the accepted version into a deposit invoice with the base draw already scheduled.